Open Eyes
There’s a delightful story in the Old Testament where God opens a person’s eyes to see what he was doing. The king of Aram was upset that the King of Israel seemed to pre-empt his every attacking move:
This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.”
Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:11-17 NIV).
There was more happening than the servant realised! And God is often doing a lot more than we realise.
Jump into the New Testament, and we find multiple post-resurrection appearances of Jesus – to hundreds of people. Have you ever wondered: “Why didn’t the resurrected Jesus appear to those who brought about his death?” We’d like to see Jesus vindicate himself to those who rejected him.
When Peter shares the Good News of Jesus with Cornelius and his household, he gives us a reason why Jesus did NOT appear to all:
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:39-43 NIV).
The risen Jesus only appeared to those chosen by God to be his witnesses.
When Jesus came alongside the two chaps on the road to Emmaus, they could not see who he was – until their eyes were opened. Yet what a difference it made! They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share their testimony – and Jesus shows up again!
Last week our theme was Open Door. This Sunday’s theme: Open Eyes. Come along and share our joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Luke24:13-48
Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.
Merry Team brings an Autumn Gleam!
We were absolutely blown away by the amazing turnout to our recent autumn cleaning day! Bands of volunteers came and went all day long, and no chair was left unturned in their efforts to dust, scrub, clean, sweep and shine away the grime!
The faithful crew were rewarded with pizza lunch & our endless gratitude! A huge thank-you to every person who came and helped to make the facilities sparkle – you are a blessing to this community and we thank God for you!
Prayer Requests
Please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them. Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news online. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.
Worship Leading
Calling people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! If this is something you, or you and your family are interested in, I’d love to chat with you. Please let me know!
Blessings,
Georgie
Request for Lift to 8:45am Services
Iris is a senior blind lady living independently at Gilles Plains. Over recent years she has been using a walker, and still uses it at home. She can use her walker getting to a car, and then would need some help getting in and out. On arriving at Good Shepherd, she would then use an on-site wheelchair. She is seeking a lift to our 8:45am services. It would not have to be every week, but it would be helpful if she could attend the first service of the month for Holy Communion. If you can help out, please contact the Church Office.
Growing Faith Ministries at Home
Dear Church Family,
Jesus is alive… Pass it on!
The disciples took more than a few minutes to digest this life changing news. In fact in the bible reading, he blessed them with his peace, showed them his wounds, ate something to prove he wasn’t a ghost and then helped them to understand why he needed to go through everything. Then it was over to them. You are my witnesses! And now it’s our turn!
GFH offers some wonderful questions to ask your family and friends… Who first told you about Jesus? Who and what has helped you learn about him? These questions aren’t just for young children, they are for everyone!
God bless your week!
Georgie
Support for Family Zone
Due to the generosity of our congregation the Family Zone has sufficient food for April to enable them to support the families in need in the area. Space to store the food is a problem.
With Job Keeper ceasing they are predicting there will be a great increase in demand for support so food collection will recommence in May. If you have already purchased food which will not keep until the May collection please deliver to the church office or bring to service on Sunday April 25th and it will be delivered to the Zone.
Office News
COVID-Safe Update
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. We have decided to proceed with the 75% regular capacity and not wear masks. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code you are required to check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. A physical distance of 1.5 metres is still required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and getting served tea & coffee.
Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current social distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5 to assist you.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14
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Church Giving via Electronic Funds Transfer:
Regular Electronic Giving (REG): BSB 704 942; Acc 100 354 939
Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am-3pm
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
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388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
